Counting

Emor (Leviticus 21-24)

You shall count for yourselves from the morrow of the rest day, from the day you bring the Omer as a wave offering, seven complete weeks. You shall count until the day after the seventh Sabbath, [namely,] the fiftieth day, [on which] you shall bring a new meal offering to God. (Leviticus 23:15-16)

The seven-week progression from Passover until Shavuot (known as Counting the Omer) is symbolized in the painting by seven pairs of white candles. This represents the time the Jews spent in the desert after leaving Egypt until they received the Torah on Mount Sinai. The ivory candles ascend upward, in contrast to the dark, shadowy people, who stream into the depth of the luminescent landscape.

The holiday of Shavuot not only marks the conclusion of the weeks of counting the Omer, but also celebrates the wheat harvest. When the Holy Temple stood, the people thronged toward Jerusalem (suggested in the painting by arches), bringing their first offering from the new wheat crop. The painting captures the radiance of the multitude moving though fields of golden grain to celebrate the holiday. Though we no longer have a Temple and offerings, we still count seven Sabbaths from Passover until Shavuot, allowing this ritual to come alive for us even today.

Yoram Raanan is one of Israel’s most well-known contemporary artists. After graduating in 1975 from Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, he traveled and studied throughout Europe and the Near East. He moved to Israel in 1977 and opened his first studio in Jerusalem. Inspired by Israel’s beauty, heritage, and people, Raanan’s art has brought him international acclaim. His paintings are on display in museums, galleries, and collections worldwide. His work often reflects the Bible, nature, and the land of Israel. Click here to order Art of Revelation. .

Meira Raanan has been teaching and writing about meditation, religion and art for many years. Her interest in the Biblical narrative began with a degree in Jewish studies at McGill University (Montreal) and developed into the study of Chassidut and Kabbala. She is currently working on a new book, The Lights of Fire about the fire that burned down her husband’s studio and a life time of art work, and the blessings that have emerged from that disaster.